HHS Deputy Secretary Issues Statement Regarding Audit of Travel Records

Health and Human Services Deputy Secretary Eric Hargan issued the following statement regarding the release of the HHS Office of Inspector General (OIG) audit of travel practices at the department:

“HHS appreciates OIG’s work in reviewing the travel records in question. Reviews like this are an important part of any organization’s efforts to ensure that best practices are being utilized. The department understands the auditor’s concern that the processes and record keeping regarding travel could have been more comprehensive, and, since the period examined by the audit, HHS has instituted new travel review procedures applicable to all political appointees.

“It must be noted, though, that the work of an audit is to review compliance with procedures, not make legal conclusions. As a matter of law, none of the travel at issue was unauthorized.

“HHS and this administration are dedicated to serving the American people and being responsible stewards of taxpayer dollars. In furtherance of this goal, the department has instituted the most rigorous controls on travel in the organization’s history.”